WASHINGTON (June 4, 2009) - For the first time, CEOs from 30 environmental groups based in the United States and Canada have agreed to work together to address key environmental problems threatening both countries. Their collaboration parallels the emerging threats that intertwine Canadian and American economic and environmental health, including the impacts of climate change, tar sands oil production and Arctic development. The groups will also work in partnership during the international climate negotiations in Copenhagen later this year.

Following is a statement by Frances Beinecke, President of the Natural Resources Defense Council:

“The United States and Canada, with their closely linked financial markets and shared natural resources, must work together to create 21st-century clean energy economies that will put people back to work and benefit our environment.

“Our countries face a series of joint-challenges – from the devastation and pollution caused by tar sands oil to the melting Arctic to the need to shift to a clean energy future. With federal climate legislation gaining momentum in the United States and some Canadian provinces taking important climate initiatives, now is the time for our two countries to come together as we seek international action on climate change. We hope our joint declaration can serve as a guide as we move to an international climate treaty later this year.”

Following is a statement by Dr. Rick Smith, Executive Director of Environmental Defence Canada:

“It's never been clearer that economic solutions and environmental solutions are one and the same. Governments in both Canada and the U.S. must seize this opportunity to create good green jobs through innovative initiatives that move us quickly toward a new energy economy.”

The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 2 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.

Environmental Defence Canada (www.environmentaldefence.ca) protects the environment and human health. We research solutions. We educate. We go to court when we have to. All in order to ensure clean air, clean water and thriving ecosystems nationwide, and to bring a halt to Canada's contribution to climate change.